Empire – The Devils Are Here – Review: “An Hell of a return”

"You’re rude, he’s crude, and the both of y’all are socially unacceptable."

"I thought I told you to sleep with her." "I did."

Empire is back. The second season premiere of Empire 'The Devils Are Here' was an hell of a return. I loved every minute of it. Here is why Lee Daniels and Danny Strong nailed it.

The second season is set three months after the events of the season finale. Jamal is still in charge of Empire, Lucious is still behind bars and Cookie/Hakeem/Andre are trying to finalize the hostile takeover. The episode starts with a #FREELUCIOUS concert. The beginning is as quirky and crazy as we could expect. We have a concert full of guest star, as Rev. Al Sharpton, CNN anchor Don Lemon and a Cookie in a gorilla costume. We are introduced to a brand new catchy Jamal’s song, that is followed by a new Hakeem's one. And that’s only the beginning.

The 45-minutes episode is full of surprises and incredible O.M.G. moments. I loved how they used Anika to seduce Mimi. When she revealed that she slept with her as Cookie ordered, I couldn’t help but love the show even more. I really enjoy how the storylines go at an insane speed, like how they closed the Frank-related story. They dealt with the unsolved story of the drug dealer, and they ended it in the best way possible. I am still hooked by Cookie/Lucious chemistry: hate or love them as a couple, they are incredible together.

I am relieved they fixed some Season 1’s possible mistakes. I hated how Michael disappeared without a proper reason. Jamal and Michael were a cute couple and this change of dynamics is totally interesting. The family’s interactions are still the core of the show, and I am really curious to watch how Cookie will handle this new Jamal’s hatred. 

All in all, Empire’s writers have no intention to slow the show down. This season premiere focuses on the strengths of the show and it prepares to bring it to a new level. Empire’s ratings are still stellar and I can wait to watch what they have in store for us.

We are left with a lot of questions! 

Will Jamal turn into a Lucious 2.0? Will Cookie find a way to reunite her family? Will Lucious get out of prison anytime soon?

Tell us what you think about The Devils Are Here. 

About the Author - Francesco B

Fra (aka Francesco B.) is a writer of the site. He’s a professional tv-and-cinema maniac and a keen reader. He is an italian lazy university student, he truly loved tv series like Veronica Mars, Buffy, Lost, Alias.. and he would like to become a professional journalist. One Day. Maybe.